Zombieland: Double Tap

Official Australian release date: 17/10/19. Viewed: 19/10/19.

Director: Ruben Fleischer

Actors: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin

Genre: Comedy / Horror

Rating: MA

  

‘Zombieland: Double Tap’ is perhaps an unasked-for sequel, but since it’s been 10 years and has the entire cast back, it doesn’t feel too forced. One of the opening scenes, in slow-motion with Metallica’s ‘Master of puppets’ playing is a great re-introduction, as is Columbus (Eisenberg)’s narration of the “evolved” zombies. He, Tallahassee (Harrelson), Wichita (Stone) and Little Rock (Breslin) are now living comfortably in the White House, but things get too comfortable and a road trip ensues.

This is good, because it means new characters are introduced – the ditzy Madison (Deutch), the under-used Nevada (Dawson), and the almost-doppelgangers of Albuquerque (Wilson) and Flagstaff (Middleditch), which provide a great middle act. The stakes and horror/zombie levels aren’t really too high until the final act.

Still plenty of funny moments, new “rules” and tongue-poking at the zombie genre, while also holding true to lots of zombie-isms. Nothing too serious or groundbreaking happens, but it’s a solid, mostly-fun watch throughout – and almost worth it to see Harrelson dressed as Elvis! Also, an excellent mid-credit scene too.

Overall: Not as great as original, but still good fun.

Gav's Rating: 3.5 stars.

Joker

Official Australian release date: 3/10/19. Viewed: 4/10/19.

Director: Todd Phillips

Actors: Joaquin Phoenix, Zazie Beetz, Robert De Niro, Frances Conroy

Genre: Drama

Rating: MA

  

‘Joker’ is definitely not a comic book film – don’t expect Batman, any good guy/bad guy battles, CGI or falling into a vat of chemicals. This film is 100% focused on Arthur (Phoenix)’s transformation from misunderstood clown and comedian into the psychopathic killer that is the Joker. The only Batman connections are via Thomas Wayne (Cullen), two scenes with ~10-year-old Bruce Wayne (Pereira-Olson) and a few mentions of Gotham.

Phoenix is the fourth live-action film Joker, with each seeming to be of their time. This is the opposite of Nicholson’s Joker and an extension of Ledger’s Joker. The difference is that both Nicholson & Ledger only had ~30min of screen time, whereas Phoenix is in almost every second of this film’s 2 hours – and is mesmerising throughout. Especially his weight loss and how his ribs show, and how he uses that awkwardness in his dancing and movements.

It looks great, the score and soundtrack are solid. It’s not overly violent until the final 25min and Arthur/Joker doesn’t always make sense, which is the point. It’s a bit slow in parts and doesn’t fully utilise De Niro (a Letterman-like TV host). The "laughing" that Phoenix does looks physically painful, but is a bit too convenient as a plot point. Does a great job of being the outcast though.

Overall: Different and sometimes difficult take on the villain’s origin.

Gav's Rating: 3.5 stars.